Sea day with whales starts early.

This Puerto Vallarta boat trip to Islas Marietas turns wildlife spotting into a moving show, with dolphin and bird watching plus hands-on snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP time. You also get a BBQ lunch with drinks at Majahuitas, which is the kind of shore stop that turns a long day into a memorable one. One watch-out: most of the day is on the boat, so if you are prone to seasickness or you want lots of time on land, you may feel the pace is quick.

You meet at Puerto Magico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio (Zona Hotelera Nte.) at 7:00 am, and there is no hotel pickup. You will also pay small extras in cash, including a MX$40 port fee per person, plus a $20 conservation admission fee at check in. Since there is no dock at the island stops, you jump off the boat and climb back up using small metal ladders, so bring a steady step and a decent level of comfort in the water.

Key points before you go

• Dolphins, and whales in season: Bay of Banderas wildlife spotting is a big part of the day.
• Real water time: Snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding are built into the plan.
• Majahuitas BBQ is a highlight: The shore lunch with drinks is repeatedly praised as the best part of the itinerary.
• Morning start means a full day at sea: Plan around time on the water and early departure.
• No docks at stops: Expect ladder entry, not a gentle beach walk-on.
• Smallish group for a popular route: The tour caps at 100 travelers.

Morning Start in Puerto Vallarta: meeting point and what you pay

This is an early departure, starting at 7:00 am. That matters because you are trying to catch the best conditions for wildlife viewing and water activities before the day heats up or chop increases.

Your meeting point is at Puerto Magico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in the hotel zone. Since hotel pickup and drop off are not included, you will want to build in extra time to get there, especially if you are using taxis or ride apps.

The price is $99 per person, and the value is not just the boat ride. You also get a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas with drinks, plus snorkel and kayak equipment and stand-up paddle boarding. The smaller catch is that a few extras are still due on site: MX$40 port fee per person paid in Mexican cash, and a $20 conservation fee at check in.

The Bay of Banderas cruise: wildlife watching with a party-on-the-water feel

Once you leave Puerto Vallarta, the trip heads into the Bay of Banderas. This is where the tour earns its keep, because you are not just staring at open water. You are scanning for Pacific dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins.

You are also listening. The day is run with commentary, so when wildlife pops up, you are not guessing what you are seeing. You may also spot whales when they are in season. Other wildlife you could see includes giant manta rays and seabirds like the blue-footed booby and red-billed tropicbird.

On board, the vibe is meant to be upbeat. There is an open onboard bar, with beverages served as you cruise. I like this approach because it helps break up the motion and keeps energy high before the water activities.

One practical note: the ride can get choppy. If seasickness is your nemesis, this is one of the first things to take seriously. There is a reason you will see warnings tied to the sea conditions, since you spend most of the day on the boat.

Islas Marietas: how snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP actually work

Islas Marietas is the main aquatic payoff, and the tour is set up so you get more than one way to experience it.

You will pick an activity on the Marietas portion of the day, typically one of these:

• Snorkeling (equipment provided)
• Kayaking
• Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)

This triad is a smart mix for different comfort levels. Snorkeling is best when you want to see fish and underwater life right away. Kayaking and SUP feel slower and more hands-on, letting you steer your own route along the rock formations and shorelines.

Still, be realistic about timing. A repeated theme in the experience is that the day is boat-heavy, and the time in the water can feel brief depending on conditions and how quickly everyone cycles through. If you want long, uninterrupted sessions, go in knowing you are sharing slots with the rest of the group.

Weather can change the snorkeling experience too. On calmer days, underwater visibility can be excellent. If it rains, you may end up with murkier water, and that can limit what you see. This is not a deal breaker, but it can turn the snorkeling from crisp viewing into a more “try your best” situation.

The no-dock reality: ladders, getting in and out, and staying steady

This tour has a specific physical logistics style. There is no dock at the locations you visit. Instead, you jump off the boat, and to get back on board you use small metal ladders.

That is one of the biggest “know before you go” points. It is not dangerous for everyone, but it does demand balance and a calm attitude when you are wet, moving, and climbing. If you have knee issues, fear of heights, or you do not like sudden water entries, you should think hard before booking.

It also affects what to pack. Bring shoes that can get wet and help you feel confident during boarding and landings. Bring a towel, because you will be drying off after ladder climbs and beach time.

Also, you should be aware that the tour is rated for moderate physical fitness. That usually means you do not have to be an athlete, but you should be able to handle the motion, the wet steps, and active time in the water.

Majahuitas beach BBQ: why the lunch stop is the main event

If you only remember one part of this tour, make it the Majahuitas stop.

Majahuitas is where you slow down. You get a BBQ lunch with refreshing drinks, served on shore. The setting is repeatedly called out as a standout, and it makes sense: after hours of boat time and water activities, a proper meal on land is a reset button.

The BBQ value is more than food quantity. It is the break from salt air and movement, plus the social time with everyone in the group. You also have a while to enjoy the beach area, so the day does not feel like nonstop work.

Timing can matter here. If lines form for buffet-style serving, you might enjoy the shore stop more if you can eat efficiently and then prioritize whatever water or beach activity you still want to fit in.

One more detail I appreciate is how drinks are handled. Alcohol might not be served right away, which can be a smart move when everyone still needs to snorkel or paddle. Either way, you should expect a range of beverage options.

On-board entertainment and the crew experience

A big chunk of satisfaction comes from the way the day is run. The crew tends to keep things lively, not just instructional. Expect fun onboard entertainment and a performance-style show as the day moves toward the end.

This is more than fluff. When you are spending hours on the water, “keeping spirits up” can be the difference between a tour that feels exhausting and one that feels like a day out.

I also like that service is proactive. People repeatedly mention attentive staff and a steady flow of drinks and support throughout the day. If you are the type who gets anxious about logistics, that kind of organization is comforting.

Guide names come up in the day-to-day experience as well. Depending on the boat and crew assignment, you might hear familiar names like Poncho, Poncho, Dani, or Danny. The key for you is the same: this is a tour where the guide is part host, part guide, and part safety coach.

Weather, seasickness, and snorkeling visibility: manage the things you can

This is an ocean tour, so you cannot control the sea or the sky. You can control your readiness.

If you get motion sickness, plan for it. The tour spends most of its time on the boat, and conditions can be choppy. I suggest taking seasickness precautions seriously, even if you have done other tours before without problems.

For snorkeling visibility, rainy season can be rough. You may still have fun, but you might see less underwater than you hoped. If that happens, shift your mindset. The value of the day includes wildlife spotting on the surface, birds in flight, and the general adventure of moving between habitats.

Also, the water can feel cold, especially early or with cloud cover. The provided gear includes snorkel and kayak equipment, but comfort in cold water is on you. If you run cold easily, pack with that in mind.

Value check: is $99 for Islas Marietas and Majahuitas actually fair?

Let’s do the practical math.

For $99 per person, you get:

• A full boat day tied to wildlife viewing
• BBQ lunch at Majahuitas with drinks
• Snorkel and kayak equipment
• Stand-up paddle boarding

On paper, that looks like a solid bundle. The add-ons are not huge, but they matter: MX$40 port fee and a $20 conservation fee. Even with those included, you are still buying a day that mixes multiple activities, not just one “look and leave” stop.

The biggest reason the price feels fair is the combination. If you only wanted a beach lunch, you would pay much less elsewhere. If you only wanted snorkeling, you could find cheaper half-day trips. This is priced like an all-day water adventure with a real shore meal, and that matches the experience people describe: active time on the water plus a real lunch break.

The only value risk is if you personally dislike boat-heavy schedules. If your ideal day is lots of time off the boat, this tour might feel rushed because the schedule has multiple activities and transitions.

Who should book this tour, and who should consider another option

This is ideal if you want:

• A water-focused day in Pacific marine territory
• Chance-based wildlife viewing, including whales when in season
• A mix of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP
• A lunch stop that actually feels like a treat, not a snack between transfers

It can be a good fit for families, including kids who can handle water time and ladder boarding. Just remember that the ocean ride can be choppy and the schedule is active.

Skip it, or at least think twice, if:

• You get seasick easily
• You struggle with wet entry, ladders, and quick boarding cycles
• You need long, unhurried time in one place rather than multiple stops

Also, this option is not suitable for cruise ship passengers due to local schedule conflicts, so if you are on a cruise, look at other timing-friendly excursions.

Quick safety and rules you should respect

Some rules are not optional.

Drones are prohibited due to federal regulations protecting flight paths of endemic birds. If you bring one, you will not be able to use it.

There is also a strict No Drug Policy. The policy explicitly includes electronic cigarettes and vapers. If security denies access, refunds or day changes may not be offered, so keep your pack simple and compliant.

Should you book Islas Marietas & Majahuitas BBQ?

I would book this if your priority is a full day on the water with a strong chance of dolphins and birds, plus the possibility of whales in season. The Majahuitas BBQ lunch with drinks is the kind of shore moment that makes the whole day feel worth it, especially after snorkeling and paddling.

I would hesitate if you are highly sensitive to motion or you want a trip that feels more like a long beach hang than a moving schedule. Also, confirm your expectations about what beach stops you are getting, because the value here is Marietas Islands water time and Majahuitas beach, not a single “one famous spot” fantasy.

If you handle water access comfortably and you are okay with a day that stays active, this is a great Puerto Vallarta choice.

FAQ

How long is the Islas Marietas & Majahuitas tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:00 am.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are the BBQ lunch at Majahuitas with refreshing drinks, snorkel and kayak equipment, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Are there extra fees besides the $99 price?

Yes. There is a port fee of MX$40.00 per person paid in cash at the port, and a $20.00 per person conservation admission fee paid at check in.

Do they provide snorkeling gear and kayaking gear?

Yes. Snorkel and kayak equipment are included.

Is hotel pickup and drop off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

Are there docks at the locations you visit?

No. There is no dock at the locations visited, so you jump off the boat and use small metal ladders to get back on.

Can I bring a drone on this tour?

No. Drones are prohibited on this tour due to federal regulations.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No. This option is not suitable for cruise ship passengers because of time conflicts with the local schedule.